Speedlite HELP

[GiGi]

I am shooting my first Wedding (for a friend)... but not until October 09... the ceremony & reception will both be at night and indoors... therefore it is crucial that I learn how to use a speedlite... eek!

I AM FREAKING OUT... I'm not an advanced photographer, and on another one of my photography boards, I hear there is a tough learning curve involved with speedlites... Also I haven't the slightest clue what is a good/decent speedlite for my camera (I've got the Canon Xsi) I'm determined to learn, because I'm serious about Photography and want to do her wedding photos... (P.S. I have a slave flash... but it's inadequate)

Any input or advice on Wedding/low light shooting & learning speedlites would be fantastic... Thanks in advance!

[JamesV]

Hello,
I don't have any wedding experience but I do have a XTi and this flash. They also have a newer one the has a quicker flash recycle. You can also either purchase or make a diffuser. I purchased this one from Gary Fong.

James

[Alison]

I've noticed that Gary tends to position his subjects with a light behind them too but he never mentions that. Thought I'd mention it so you have time to get some practise in :thumbsup:

I have a 430EX and it does a fine job. There is also the 580EX to consider which is a more powerful flash.


Bounced off walls or ceilings. Be aware of ceilings that may be too high to bounce off.

There is also the "Better Bouce Card" http://abetterbouncecard.com/
You'll notice again in the example pictures the direct flash of the subject has no bg light but the better bounce card example has a bg light for the subject.

Good luck!

[Cathathome]

Hi, GiGi!

I have the 580EX and have just recently started learning how to use it properly. It's very versatile, and the the head swivel is great, esp if you don't have Canon's wireless transmitter to get the flash off camera. Here are some things I've learned about using it:

When on camera, the ETTL setting lets the camera and flash talk to each other to determine exposure/flash output. Think of it as the auto setting, but you can still adjust the settings, reducing flash exposure in increments of 1/3 or bracket your shots.

Manual mode puts all the decision making in your hands; you decide what the output needs to be based on what you want to achieve in your image.

The High Speed Sync button (icon is an H and arrow) lets you override the default sync speed of your camera to increase shutter speed, again helpful if you are in manual mode and need to tweak your exposure. This will reduce the output though.

If you don't want to invest in a multiflash system you might want to consider getting a flash bracket - a frame that attaches to the camera and elevates the flash unit/puts it to the side instead of dead center. I don't know how much they are though, could be as much as the flash itself

I've seen some 430s on ebay for about 150-200$. Used 580/EXII are still pretty pricey, but if you can get your hands on one for a reaonable price, it will be a friend and important accessory in your bag.

I haven't done any wedding stuff, but Alison's comment about having some extra lighting behind your subjects is a good thing to consider, since it can help minimize the strong shadow that flashes tend to produce.

In a nutshell, I don't think learning to use a flash unit it any harder than learning to work your camera. Read the manual, play with the settings, practise and have fun with it!

HTH,

[EOSThree]

I am not an expert by any stretch, I rarely use flash. When I do use flash, I us M mode and set up an aperture for the depth of field I want and a shutter speed to stop most motion(at least 1/60 and hopefully faster).
Visit The Srobist for a lot of information on lighting.
Here's a very good article on Canon Speedlights.
I imagine this will be quite a learning experience for you. Being able to preview the locations and the kind of lighting that are there will go a long way toward not having a panic when it comes to the real thing.

[WesternGuy]

GiGi, have a look at this URL...

http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTi...470045280.html

This book should tell you a lot about Speedlite systems. Make sure you have some sort of diffuser for your flash as well, otherwise you will end up with a lot of unwanted shadows in your images. I also agree with the thought that if you can go and scout out the location beforehand, you will be able to find places for good photos. As well, I would want to have at least one extra memory card. Make sure all your batteries are fully charged when you start and that you have extra backup batteries for both your camera and your flash.

If you go to the Canon website, they have some learning pages that you can access that gives you some insight into Canon's Speedlite system.

HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[JTcooper]

GiGi, I would suggest if you can get to the location and take some sample shot of the area especial checking out the lightning of the whole place and take some shot in difference setting go home load it up to the forum and maybe we can see what you are have to work with. To master your flash take years of pratice and I mean hand on practice not just by suggestion nor reading a book. Wedding you don't have time to thinks about what setting to use and most of the time you can't re-shoot.

I have been shooting wedding for a second year now and I do know this type of shooting is either you do or die and you will hate to have to tell your friend that you can't show her her photo.

And you have all the right to be freak out espeacially on the day of the wedding your nerve rattle and your sweat after looking at the histogram and don't know what to do while there are about a hundred guess or so and family behind you and its would be too late...

[WesternGuy]

JT, I would agree that you cannot learn flash by READING a book, but I find that reading a book or a web page can give me things to think about and things to be aware of. It definitely helps (for me at least) in the learning process. I am not sure that mastering flash takes years of practice but you are right that it certainly does take practice. I would encourage GiGi to get her flash ASAP and start practicing ASAP. Take picture of friends and family and others and see what works and doesn't work. Get a feeling for why some things work and others don't. HTH again.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[JTcooper]

Yes, I agree 120% on the reading and practice practice practice:thumbsup:

And GiGi if you can and monie is not an issue than get the best flash if you can like the 580ex II at least it the best canon made though.